HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260007 92 North St Area Variance Public CommentOutlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Sun 3/8/2026 11:35 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
SUBMIT COMMENTS REGARDING CITY PROJECTS
Thank you for submitting your comments. Your feedback will be forwarded to the
City's Planning Department and Land Use Board members. NOTE: Comments
submitted later than 12:00 noon on the day before the Land Use Board meeting
may not be reviewed prior to their meeting. All comments will be added to the
project file in the Planning Department.
Land Use Board Zoning Board of Appeals
Name Zachary Smith
Email Address saratoganysmith@gmail.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 93 York Avenue
City SARATOGA SPRINGS
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number Field not completed.
Project Name 92 North St Area Variance
Project Number 20260007
Project Address Field not completed.
Comments I own and reside at 93 York Ave, directly across Pilkington
Lane from the subject property, and I am strongly opposed to
the proposed construction and requested variance.
The plans would create large, imposing structures that
undermine the intent of the 40% rule and are incompatible with
the architectural character, lot patterns, and scale of this
historic neighborhood. Granting the variance would result in an
undesirable change to neighborhood character and negatively
impact surrounding properties.
3/9/26, 8:53 AM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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The prior development consisted of a house and two-car
garage with ample driveway space and mature trees. On
November 25, 2025, the property was demolished without any
notice to neighbors, and all trees were removed. The
demolition was conducted aggressively, with repeated backhoe
impacts that sent shockwaves through my buildings. I am
concerned this may have damaged the foundation of my 1868
home. The premature removal of vegetation, apparently
undertaken in anticipation of approval, has already caused a
significant adverse environmental effect.
The applicant claims to have explored reasonable alternatives,
yet at the February 9, 2026 meeting stated the designs reflect
exactly what they want and intentionally push setback limits.
The proposed garage, spanning the full width of the lot at
minimum setback, is especially problematic given our narrow,
dead-end alley. Current construction has already restricted
access, interfered with snowplowing, and involved vehicles
blocking the public alley without apparent permits. The garage
would create a permanent disruption in this unique alleyway,
unlike comparable nearby properties that maintain substantial
setbacks.
The proposal has no neighborhood comparables and reflects
overdevelopment more suited to suburban construction,
including plans to pave much of the remaining lot for a pool,
leaving little to no vegetation.
Thank you for considering my concerns, as I am unable to
attend the March 9 meeting.
Attach Photo (optional)PXL_20260307_150006442.jpg
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3/9/26, 8:53 AM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAOWppeY3DOlNoW4NuCAl%2…2/2